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The San Diego Zoo is a brilliantly designed, nurturing environment for both the nearly 4,000 animals who call it home and their hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Plenty to Experience

Everything here -- from the striking animal habitats among the terrain's natural canyons to the directional signs that reveal a unified and understated aesthetic -- is expertly crafted. Stamina is essential for taking it all in: Open-air trams and a Skyfari ride aren't bad ways to see the sights, but on foot is best. With more than 500 animal species on hand (many of them constantly whooping it up), as well as 6,500 plant species, you'll need more than one visit to really appreciate the zoo's exotic charms.

First Visit? Don't Miss These

Panda Central - Meet the newest giant panda family: mama bear "Bai Yun," papa bear "Gao Gao," the new baby girl "Zhen Zhen" and the young female "Su Lin." Zhen Zhen is fastly becoming a cuddly zoo favorite. Visit her and her mom Bai Yun each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the giant panda research station (the baby's being viewed from 9-11 a.m.). A maze of hallways connects the exhibit to the birthing den, where "Zhen Zhen" is being cared for. Catching a glimpse of the newest addition to the family is entirely up to her mother. And, don't forget to visit dad Gao Gao, on exhibit 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily.

Absolutely Apes - This newly created Asian rain forest ecosystem simulation is where arboreal orangutans and siamangs climb, swing, and share the same tropical habitat as they would in the wild.<

More Fun with the Animals - The Gorilla Tropics, Hippo Beach and Polar Bear Plunge are animal domains that you can spy easily and intimately through massive glass walls. The simulated Asian rain forest, a super-friendly children's petting zoo and koalas are fun attractions. Best of all is knowing that the animals are in hospitable environments designed to resemble their own natural habitats. There's a palpable harmony here that makes the zoo a truly special place.

Get Windows Media Player. Animal Ambassadors: Meet the Zoo's dynamic duo, Karroo and Sven.   "The Cheetah and the Dog" 56k | DSL/Cable   The Art of Purring 56k | DSL/Cable   20 Years and Still Going Strong 56k | DSL/Cable   Shining Stars of the "Wild Ones" Show 56k | DSL/Cable   Out and About with the Animals 56k | DSL/Cable

Avoid visiting during Founder's Day celebrations in October. With admission fees waived, the typical zoo crowd of 20,000 can easily swell past 50,000, making for a most unpleasant visit.

Just for Kids

With or without children, the Children's Zoo is delightful and unique. While many exhibits are kid-sized and kid-oriented, everyone will enjoy the Animal Nursery, with its diaper-clad primates, and the petting paddock, where you can pet, scratch and tickle a variety of docile animals. Animal caretakers often bring out baby animals for public display.

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